Monthly Archives: January 2014

I have just returned from a six week vacation that took us to some wildly wonderful and unexpected places. We drove the vast and isolated deserts of Nevada, Arizona and California, and met some very interesting characters. Before we took the trip, I had been wondering about the direction of this blog, the questions were “How can I be helpful? What should be the focus?” This trip allowed me to realize that my love for meeting people and my passion for teaching can be combined. I am in the learning process myself and would like to introduce you to the great people I meet along the way.

Today, I would like you to meet i Cenizal, a children’s book illustrator whose work I admire for being whimsical and fun. With more than 25 published children’s book, i Cenizal is a seasoned artist. It is no wonder then, that the layouts, designs and illustrations of her work are truly flawless. Her style is easily recognized for her like of pastels, round character heads and beautiful outdoor sceneries. Apart from being a skilled illustrator, she is a well-rounded gal with knowledge of video and animation editing, photography, writing, painting and a love for cycling. She blogs about her passions and art over icenizal , a blog definitely worth a visit for your daily dose of cuteness. The blog has a wonderful collection of her different art styles as well as a generous portion of her first picture book- Mafi and her first bike ride Amazon.com: Mafi and her First Bike Race eBook: i Cenizal: Kindle Store one she authored and illustrated.

And now for an Interview with iCenizal:

How did you get started as an illustrator?

I have always loved art, as a kid I loved drawing and reading picture books. At some point I decided to blend these two through illustrating Children’s Book.

How did you find your style? has it changed since you first started?

In the past, I painted using oil pastels and it occurred to me that I could also use these colors for my digital illustrations.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as “carefree, and child-like” Illustrations that appeal to children and can easily be understood by them. I do illustrate using different styles, when requested by the author.

How many books would you say you have illustrated in your career?

More than 25 published books.

What is the best/most fun part of your work?

Everything, from reviewing the story, making character studies, storyboarding, to illustrating and coloring.

What is the worst/most difficult part of your job?

Honestly, I have no idea. I am very fortunate to do what I love most and I appreciate every part of it.

What motivated you to illustrated and write Mafi?

There are a lot of Alleycat / Bike races here. I was riding my bike one time in the streets of Manila and I felt like everybody was moving, I felt like the vehicles were chasing me, I sensed the speed of light, as if I were on a race. And that night, I felt like I needed to record it or illustrate that vision.

When you are not working what do you like to do?

Ride my bike just like Mafi, and read books

What fonts would you recommend for the interior of a picture book? for the cover?

I use simple easy to read fonts, nothing too playful.

What advice do you have for someone looking to hire a children’s book illustrator?

I suggest for the author to really look through the portfolio of the illustrator, and see if their story will fit with the artist style of artwork.

How much do your illustration services cost?

I have no standard rate, it depends on the story, number of pages, details of the illustrations, and numbers of characters.